The Coalition welcomes you

The Vernon ROCKS Coalition welcomes all members of the community and is always looking for representatives from families (youth and parents), community stakeholders, faith-based groups, the business community, and other concerned citizens to help us promote protective factors and decrease risk factors that contribute to substance abuse.

Are you worried about young people who you know or suspect are hosting parties or are involved in substance use? Do you want to report it to someone but are afraid of repercussions? Use our online tip line to anonymously report your concerns.

Coalition Strategies

Vernon ROCKS uses evidence-based strategies (determined through a model, the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), to create an environment that helps people support healthy decision-making.

Events

Unfortunately, sexual minorities often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges like violence and harassment, not experienced by those who identify as heterosexual. These challenges mixed with other stressors lead sexual minorities to be at an increased risk for substance use. According to SAMHSA, substance use disorders affect 20 to 30% of the LGBTQIA+ population, compared to 8.4% of the general population. People who identify as gay and lesbian are more than twice as likely as those who identify as heterosexual to have a severe alcohol or tobacco use disorder. That number raises to three times as likely for people who identify as bisexual, and five times as likely for people who are unsure how to identify their sexuality (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2017). The Vernon ROCKS Coalition wants everyone to know there are supportive people, and resources to help and you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Visit our website for more information. www.vernonrocksct.org/pride-month/... See MoreSee Less